2012 Husqvarna Motorcycles: Model Portfolio

Since becoming part of the BMW Group in 2007, Husqvarna has grown from a strictly off-road motorcycle company to offering supermoto and street machines.

For 2012, Husqvarna has a wide model portfolio, offering motorcycles designed for use in motocross, enduro, supermoto and the street. Besides these, there are also a few prototypes in the mix.

Following is Husqvarna’s current model portfolio (for a preview of all 2012 Husqvarna motorcycles, click here):

Husqvarna: Motocross in Five Displacement Categories

Husqvarna’s Motocross models carry in them the racing DNA that has matured over decades, along with the passion for competition. Even the entry-level models, the Husqvarna CR 50 and Husqvarna CR 65, unmistakably reflect the hallmark character of the brand in their design.

In appearance and technology, both models borrow from the Husqvarna CR 125, on which two world championship titles have already been won and which, thanks to ongoing development, is repeatedly setting new benchmarks.

Innovations directly influenced by racing experience also determine the character of the Husqvarna TC 250. The return of the brand to the world championship in the MX2 class played a pivotal role in the development of this model.

The four-stroke is powered by a single-cylinder engine weighing just 22 kg, with twin overhead camshafts, valve finger followers, weight-reduced piston and Keihin fuel injection. The 250 cc model also benefits from a chromoly frame as well as an Akrapovic titanium exhaust system – two features that also distinguish the top model in the Motocross category, the Husqvarna TC 449.

Other specialties include a coaxially positioned rocker arm, of which the countershaft sprocket is located directly on the rocker arm pivot, a centrally installed two-section fuel tank, and a mapping switch with which the rider can adjust the settings while in motion, either to his needs or to the track characteristics.

Husqvarna Enduro: The Basis of Husqvarna’s 82 World Championship Titles

Of the 82 world championship titles won by Husqvarna to date, the overwhelming majority have been in the Enduro category. The technical expertise that made these repeated successes possible has been faithfully transferred to the brand’s production models.

There is currently a choice of six Enduro motorcycles. The three two-strokes – the Husqvarna WR 125, Husqvarna WR 250 and Husqvarna WR 300 – are not only designed for speed and lightness, but their handling is extremely agile, combined with a ready delivery of power.

Husqvarna’s four-stroke TE 250 and TE 310 models are currently making their name in world championships. At the same time, the 2012 models offer numerous innovations which are based directly on the brand’s racing expertise, including a modified frame, a new, fully-adjustable shock absorber for the rear suspension, a newly-tuned front fork and a LeoVince exhaust system, likewise new.

The external design also has a fresh look. Heading the range is the Husqvarna TE 449 – in this model, too, the extensive experience gained from racing has been systematically applied to further development. With a lower saddle height, some tweaking of the chassis and a heat guard over the exhaust pipe, the Husqvarna TE 449 has been optimised for 2012.

As an addition to the model range there is a choice of three models in the “Dual” category. The two-stroke Husqvarna WRE 125 as well as the four-stroke Husqvarna TE 125 and TE 630 convey a racing feel in everyday riding.

Husqvarna Street: A Comeback on the Road and the Start of a New Model Offensive

The introduction of the Husqvarna Nuda 900 and Nuda 900 R models marks the brand’s comeback in the street bike segment. Both of these twin-cylinder models are based on the BMW F800 and offer the fascination that typifies the brand but in an innovative form.

With a spaceframe, weight-saving construction and a modified 900 cc engine, both models occupy a position between crossover and naked bike. At the same time, the hallmark Husqvarna features have been preserved in combination with trusted BMW qualities. Characteristic design, a purist look and performance-oriented technology make for intense riding fun.

The development of the Husqvarna Nuda 900 and Nuda 900 R models is the first result – actually seen on the road – of the close cooperation with BMW Motorrad. As further results of this partnership, the prototype Husqvarna Concept Strada as much as the Husqvarna Concept MOAB and the Concept BAJA have already been presented. With these concepts, Husqvarna offers a realistic look ahead to the short- and medium-term expansion of the range.

Husqvarna Supermoto: Exciting Handling, Dynamic Design (Europe Only)

Husqvarna offers a diversity of choice, offering Supermoto models in five engine sizes for riding in combined off-road and asphalt competitions.

Then there is the entry-level Husqvarna CR 50 and the Husqvarna SM 125, which is available in both a two-stroke and four-stroke versions. With its agile handling and dynamic design, the SM125 embodies those characteristics that have led to victory in countless Supermoto world championships.

Supermoto design reached a new evolutionary stage with the Husqvarna SMR 511. With its avant-garde lines and innovative technology these models similarly generate an easy-handling feel that is typically Husqvarna.

The long saddle, the Coaxial Traction System (CTS) with a coaxial drive sprocket to the swing arm pivot pin, the linkage mounted on the upper side of the swing arm and the Sachs suspension strut, not to mention the four-stroke engines with electronic injection and double butterfly throttle, set new standards in this category.

The Husqvarna SM 630 likewise provides an exceptionally versatile top-of-the-range model with a 600 cc four-stroke engine – a particularly high-performance single-cylinder model that is a true rarity in the Supermoto class.

Husqvarna: Innovative Technology, Futuristic Concepts

A further example of the potent technological alliance between BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna Motorcycles is the world’s first anti-lock braking system (ABS) for use in off-road sport, already presented as a prototype.

The first vehicle to carry this development is the Husqvarna TE 449. The off-road system comprises a twin-channel ABS, which analyses and assesses the rotation speed of the front and rear wheels, but only operates on the front wheel. In this way the rear wheel remains fully lockable.

Optimized braking performance, enhanced braking safety and very high ride stability are thus coupled with maximum off-road enjoyment. BMW has already been offering ABS for motorcycles for the past 23 years. During this period the system has been systematically improved and has now reached a high state of development.

To achieve this, the expertise of Husqvarna Motorcycles in the Enduro field and BMW Motorrad’s innovative “Know-How” in rider assistance systems have been brought together. It marks the first presentation of a prototype which is adapted to the particular demands of ride dynamics in cross-country sports events and which, in the future, should markedly increase rider safety both on and off surfaced roads.

Beyond this, the all-electric Husqvarna e-Go concept opens up an alluring prospect for emission-free mobility in the future. Both in conceptual and technological terms, Husqvarna Motorcycles is today setting a course for the further strengthening of its position in the international motorcycle markets and for a successful future in both the short and the long term.